CNStARR Program

The CNStARR Program at Children’s National supports residents committed to academic research careers. Selected through a competitive process, participants integrate 12–24 months of funded research into a four- or five-year residency. CNStARR provides a $20,000 annual stipend for research and career development. Strong mentorship is central, with guidance from both a mentorship committee and the CNStARR executive committee. Applicants typically have prior research experience or advanced degrees.

Training Pathways within CNStARR

36 Month Pathway via the American Board of Pediatrics’ Integrated Research Pathway

The Integrated Research Pathway (IRP) is an American Board of Pediatrics–approved track for residents with strong research backgrounds (MD with research experience or MD/PhD) who are committed to academic careers. It allows 11 months of research to be built into a 36-month pediatrics residency before starting a pediatric subspecialty fellowship.

Key features:

Residents complete most of the first year alongside traditional clinical peers.
Research time is concentrated in the final two years.
Continuity clinic continues weekly throughout residency.
Applicants must show strong performance (e.g., PL-1 in-training exam score) and receive ABP approval within the first 9 months.
Accepted residents become CNStARR scholars and receive funding, mentorship, and professional development support.

48-60 Month Pathway

CNStARR scholars may also pursue a mentored research experience lasting a total of 12-24 months that is integrated into the usual 36 months of pediatric clinical training. These research months occur in minimum three-month blocks and begin no earlier than the PL2 year. With the integrated research months, the total pediatric residency period extends to 48-60 months and ends with a minimum of three months of clinical training.